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UK: Afsare sparks celebrations

3 minute read

Afsare has turned over a new leaf to such an extent he can be returned to Group One company after he proved a class apart in the Betfair Celebration Mile at Goodwood.

Sara Cumani, representing her husband Luca, feared the worst as the six-year-old's issue with entering the stalls threatened to resurface, but there was never any need to worry during the race as he kicked clear under Andrea Atzeni.

Sent off the 11-8 favourite after turning a Group Three event at Salisbury last week into a one-sided affair, this was Afsare's latest step up the ladder and Stipulate and Trade Storm had little hope of sticking with him once Atzeni pressed go with a furlong remaining to score by two lengths.

Gary Witheford, the horse behavioural expert who has worked with Afsare, was not present and his son Craig was deputising at the start.

Mrs Cumani said: "I was very nervous as I thought the ground was against him after it rained and then he started playing up before going in the stalls. Last time Gary was down there, maybe it was something to do with that, but Andrea gave him a beautiful ride.

"You never know if they are going to pick up on the ground until they come off the bridle, but he did it really well.

"There are lots of options for him, sadly he's not in the QEII, and I'd love to take him to America for the Breeders' Cup Mile. The problem is you aren't allowed to take your own stalls handlers to America, and Gary can't go anyway. He's a fantastic horse, though, and I'm so pleased he's showing it."

Harris Tweed, who was not declared for the Ebor when it appeared conditions would be against him, was handed more than adequate compensation when just holding the charge of the other 2-1 joint favourite Mount Athos in the Listed March Stakes.

"We set a good even pace and he just tries, which is the main thing," said George Baker of the six-length winner at Glorious Goodwood.

Mount Athos could yet attempt to improve on his fifth place in the last year's Emirates Melbourne Cup and Sara Cumani said: "Goodwood's not his track, but it was a better run. Depending on the owner, I think the plan's still to go back to Melbourne."